Tom Hanks Has Type 2 Diabetes

On Monday, Tom Hanks announced that he has type 2 diabetes. In this clip from David Letterman, he jokes about how his doctor told him:

“You know those high blood-sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you’ve graduated! You’ve got Type 2 diabetes, young man.’”

Letterman responds that he, too, “suffers from the high blood sugar” and has a “special diet”.

Considering that 26 million Americans have diabetes, there are surprisingly few famous positive and role models. Hanks has an opportunity – as a well-respected actor – to help spread awareness about diabetes, destigmatize the condition, and promote positive change.

If Hanks came to you and asked how he could help support people with diabetes using his fame, what would you tell him?